Klitschko and Panettiere’s daughter appears at hearing over inheritance: What court decided
Klitschko and Panettiere (photo: Getty Images)
Eleven-year-old Kaya, the daughter of Hayden Panettiere and Volodymyr Klitschko, took part remotely in a court hearing concerning the guardianship of her mother’s estate. The court considered the management of the assets and issued a ruling on temporary guardianship, People reports.
What the court decided regarding Panettiere’s estate
On October 8, a court in Los Angeles granted Klitschko temporary guardianship over the actress’s estate. Panettiere’s only heir is their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.
The court also authorized him to sign and file the actress’s tax returns and pay the taxes owed.
According to E! News, citing court documents, Volodymyr plans to pay $30,000 in Hayden’s taxes for 2025 out of his own pocket. He explained that he wants to avoid additional interest and penalties that could reduce the value of the estate inherited by their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.
Klitschko plans to reimburse himself for these expenses from the estate at a later date. According to him, the actress’s tax returns had to be filed by October 15, 2026, but no representative had been appointed by that time.
Hayden Panettiere (photo: Getty Images)
Kaya appears in court
The girl briefly appeared on camera and answered the judge’s questions, confirming her identity. She was wearing a white T-shirt with her hair tied back. Kaya reportedly spoke quietly and behaved in a reserved manner.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for December 7. The court is expected to continue considering the management of the estate. The actress and boxer’s daughter will not be required to attend this time.
Panettiere and Klitschko with their daughter (photo: instagram.com/klitschko)
Why Klitschko turned to the court
In September, the Ukrainian boxer filed a petition for temporary guardianship over his former fiancée’s estate. He explained that this was necessary to protect the actress’s assets from possible loss, damage, or unauthorized disposal.
In additional court documents, Klitschko’s representatives reported that some of Panettiere’s belongings, including jewelry, had ended up in a pawn shop.
Klitschko’s lawyers asked the court to authorize him to contact law enforcement and assist with the investigation to recover property that may have been illegally appropriated. They also believe that someone outside the family may be involved in the disappearance of the assets.
The actress met Klitschko in 2008. In 2013, they announced their engagement, and their daughter Kaya was born in December 2014. The couple permanently separated in 2018, and the athlete later gained full custody of their daughter.
How Hayden Panettiere died
The star of the TV series Heroes and Nashville died suddenly on August 16, 2026, at the age of 36. Emergency medical personnel were called to a house in Greenville, South Carolina.
The actress was found unconscious and in cardiac arrest. Doctors attempted to resuscitate her, but they were unable to save her. Her ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother were also at the house at the time.
In late September, the cause of the tragedy became known. Her death was ruled an accident caused by an accidental overdose involving several substances, including fentanyl.
